Moving from Manchester, NH to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is 1254 mi between Manchester and Cedar Rapids β roughly 23h 45m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 9 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1254 mi Β· 23h 45m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.8% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Manchester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.32 |
Households in Cedar Rapids earn about 15.8% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cedar Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,490 | $43,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,280 | $46,000 |
| Production Occupations | 13,570 | $46,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,520 | $34,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,280 | $29,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Hampshire and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 53.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 15.8% lower than Manchester (88.963 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1254 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 12.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 1254 mi and the route typically takes 23h 45m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.